Barnum’s American Museum

Barnum’s American Museum is a museum located in the Financial District of lower Manhattan at 220 Broadway in New York City. The museum offers both strange and educational attractions and performances and was founded in 1841 by P.T. Barnum.

After Barnum entered the circus industry in 1871, his museum operated as a winter quarters for his circus. After Barnum’s death in 1891, his widow sold the museum to real estate developer William H. Reynolds. Initially Reynolds wanted to demolish the building, however he decided against his idea after realizing the museum’s profitability.